Type 2 Diabetes Hair Loss - Possible Causes

With type 2 diabetes, hair loss can be
a distressing side effect. Some hair loss in everyone is normal - "old"
hair falls out and new growth comes in to takes its place. But sometimes thinning
or even bald patches become noticeable. Here are some possible causes of hair loss
people with diabetes.

Medication and Hair Loss

Oral medications
used to manage diabetes may cause some thinning or loss of hair as a side effect. Each of
us responds to medication differently. Some people will not experience any side effects at
all. However, if you notice that a greater-than-normal thinning or loss of hair after
starting your diabetes medication, talk to your doctor about it.

The diabetes medication may not necessarily be the cause (hair loss could be a
symptom of another condition, or another medication could be contributing),
but if it is, your doctor may be able to put you on a different brand or
may have other suggestions for you.

Stress

Both physical and mental stress can be caused by diabetes.
Chronically elevated blood sugar can result in longer healing times and poor
circulation, both of which can affect the rate of re-growth of hair.

This can end up being very difficult for people with diabetes. The stress
on their body from the diabetes leads to unusual or noticeable hair loss;
which leads to additional stress from worrying about thinning hair.

Assuming the doctor has ruled out other causes for the hair loss,
the best thing a diabetic can do is to carefully manage their blood
glucose levels. That means
following
a healthy and appropriate diet,
getting regular exercise,
and (if prescribed) taking your medication. If needed, try to
lose weight
-- even a 10 to 15 lb weight loss is beneficial -- or at least maintain your current weight.
Once the stress is lessened, hair will often stop falling out at higher-than-normal
rates, and might even begin growing back and/or looking healthier.

Hair Re-Growth

Keep in mind that hair re-growth is a very slow process. It can take
months after making a change in medication and/or
lifestyle
before any hair growth is noticeable. New growth is often thin or fine in texture,
and may not grow in evenly. It can take months or even years for hair
to return to "normal".

If you have already been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes,
hair loss may be one of the symptoms which can be managed or improved by
keeping the disease under control. In some cases, hair loss may not be
preventable, at least not completely. Genetics also plays a role in thinning
hair. Various hair and scalp treatments are also available to help with hair
loss. Always discuss with your doctor first, to ensure that any new
treatment or supplements you wish to try won't compromise the effectiveness
of your diabetes medication.

The information on this website is based on our own research and personal experience,
and is not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your health and individual
situation should be directed to your doctor.